Embark on the ultimate Nepal adventure with our 20-day Annapurna Circuit Tilicho Lake ABC Trek.
Overview
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This 20-day private Annapurna Circuit and ABC trek from Pokhara is designed for travelers who want a more comfortable and personalized experience, with a private trekking guide, porter, private 4WD Jeep transportation, vegetarian meals and private accommodation where available.
The route combines the classic Annapurna Circuit Trek with a side trip to Tilicho Lake, the challenging crossing of Thorong La Pass (5,416 m), the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath, the Kali Gandaki Valley, Tatopani, Ghorepani and Poon Hill before entering the Annapurna Sanctuary and reaching Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m).
Highlights
- This combined route brings together some of the most spectacular experiences in the Annapurna region in a single journey. During the trek, you will experience: The legendary Annapurna Circuit The beautiful Manang Valley Acclimatization in Manang Tilicho Lake at 4,919 m The challenging Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m The sacred pilgrimage town of Muktinath Kagbeni and the Kali Gandaki Valley Jomsom and Lower Mustang Private Jeep transportation from Jomsom to Tatopani Tatopani natural hot springs Ghorepani and Poon Hill sunrise Traditional mountain villages Rhododendron forests Machhapuchhre Base Camp The spectacular Annapurna Sanctuary Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m Panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli and surrounding Himalayan peaks
Itinerary
Altitude: 1,860 m
Transportation: Private 4WD Jeep
Driving: Approximately 7–9 hours
Your private Annapurna Circuit trek from Pokhara begins with a comfortable 4WD Jeep journey toward Besisahar and onward to Dharapani.
The drive follows the Marsyangdi River through green hills, terraced farmland and traditional villages before reaching the mountain environment of Dharapani.
Overnight: Dharapani
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Altitude: 2,670 m
Trekking: Approximately 5–6 hours
After breakfast, begin trekking through pine and fir forests toward Chame.
The trail gradually gains elevation and offers beautiful views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Chame is the administrative center of Manang District and an important stop on the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Overnight: Chame
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Altitude: 3,300 m
Trekking: Approximately 5–6 hours
The trail continues through beautiful forests and narrow mountain valleys.
As you approach Pisang, the landscape becomes drier and more dramatic. Continue to Upper Pisang for impressive views of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV and the surrounding mountains.
Overnight: Upper Pisang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Altitude: 3,540 m
Trekking: Approximately 6–7 hours
Today we take the scenic upper route through Ghyaru and Ngawal.
This section offers some of the finest mountain views on the Annapurna Circuit, including Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna and Tilicho Peak.
Continue toward Manang and settle into the village for the evening.
Overnight: Manang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Altitude: 3,540 m
Today is an important acclimatization day before ascending toward Tilicho Lake and Thorong La.
Enjoy a gradual optional hike around Manang. Depending on your energy level and weather conditions, you may visit Gangapurna Lake or a nearby viewpoint.
The afternoon can be spent relaxing, exploring the village and preparing for the higher sections of the trek.
Overnight: Manang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Altitude: Approximately 4,060 m
Trekking: Approximately 4–5 hours
Leave the main Annapurna Circuit trail and follow the route toward Tilicho Lake.
The trail passes through Khangsar village and continues through an increasingly rugged Himalayan landscape.
Gradually gain elevation while enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
Overnight: Siri Kharka
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Altitude: Approximately 4,150 m
Trekking: Approximately 4–5 hours
Continue toward Tilicho Base Camp.
The landscape becomes more dramatic as you approach the high-altitude Tilicho region. Your guide will maintain a comfortable pace because of the increasing elevation.
Rest at the base camp and prepare for the early morning hike to Tilicho Lake.
Overnight: Tilicho Base Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Maximum Altitude: 4,919 m
Trekking: Approximately 7–9 hours
Start early for one of the major highlights of the trek.
Hike to Tilicho Lake at 4,919 m, surrounded by spectacular Himalayan scenery. After enjoying the lake and taking photographs, descend from the lake and continue toward Yak Kharka, depending on weather and trail conditions.
This is a long day, so we maintain a steady and comfortable pace with regular breaks.
Overnight: Yak Kharka
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Altitude: 4,450 m
Trekking: Approximately 4–5 hours
Today's walking distance is relatively short to allow further acclimatization before crossing Thorong La.
Continue through the upper Marsyangdi Valley toward Thorong Phedi.
Rest early and prepare for the following day's high-altitude pass crossing.
Overnight: Thorong Phedi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Maximum Altitude: 5,416 m
Trekking: Approximately 7–9 hours
Today is one of the most challenging and rewarding days of the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Start early and gradually climb toward Thorong La Pass at 5,416 m.
After reaching the pass, enjoy spectacular mountain views before making the long descent toward Muktinath.
Muktinath is a sacred pilgrimage destination for both Hindus and Buddhists.
Overnight: Muktinath
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Transportation: Private 4WD Jeep
Driving: Approximately 4–6 hours depending on road conditions
After breakfast, travel by private 4WD Jeep through Kagbeni and Jomsom toward Tatopani.
This private transfer allows you to avoid a long road section on foot and provides a comfortable connection between the upper Mustang area and the lower Kali Gandaki Valley.
The scenery changes dramatically as the dry Himalayan landscape gives way to greener valleys.
Arrive in Tatopani and, if time and conditions permit, relax at the natural hot springs.
Overnight: Tatopani
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Altitude: 2,860 m
Trekking: Approximately 6–7 hours
Leave Tatopani and begin climbing toward Ghorepani.
The trail passes through forests, waterfalls and traditional mountain villages. The landscape becomes greener as you enter the rhododendron forests of the lower Annapurna region.
Overnight: Ghorepani
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Poon Hill: Approximately 3,210 m
Trekking: Approximately 5–6 hours
Wake early and hike to Poon Hill for sunrise.
From the viewpoint, enjoy panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges before returning to Ghorepani for breakfast.
Continue through beautiful rhododendron forests toward Tadapani.
Overnight: Tadapani
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
For travelers interested specifically in the Poon Hill section, you can also explore our [Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek] itinerary.
Altitude: 2,170 m
Trekking: Approximately 5–6 hours
Descend through beautiful forests and traditional mountain settlements.
Continue toward Chhomrong, an important gateway to the Annapurna Sanctuary. The village offers excellent views toward Annapurna South and Machhapuchhre.
Overnight: Chhomrong
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Altitude: 2,310 m
Trekking: Approximately 5–6 hours
Descend through stone steps before crossing the Chhomrong Khola.
Continue through Sinuwa and into the forested Modi Khola Valley toward Bamboo.
Overnight: Bamboo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Altitude: 3,230 m
Trekking: Approximately 5–6 hours
Continue deeper into the Annapurna Sanctuary.
The trail passes through Dovan and Himalayan before reaching Deurali.
The vegetation becomes thinner as the elevation increases, while the mountain scenery becomes increasingly dramatic.
Overnight: Deurali
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Altitude: 4,130 m
Trekking: Approximately 5–7 hours
Today you enter the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary.
Continue through Machhapuchhre Base Camp and onward to Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 m.
Surrounded by towering Himalayan peaks, ABC is one of the most spectacular destinations in the Annapurna region.
Enjoy the mountain scenery and sunset if weather conditions permit.
Overnight: Annapurna Base Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Our separate [Annapurna Base Camp Trek from Pokhara] page provides more information about the ABC section of this journey.
Altitude: 2,310 m
Trekking: Approximately 6–7 hours
Wake early to enjoy sunrise over the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
After breakfast, begin the descent through Machhapuchhre Base Camp, Deurali and Dovan before reaching Bamboo.
Overnight: Bamboo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Trekking: Approximately 5–6 hours
Transportation: Private 4WD Jeep
Continue descending through the forest toward Jhinu Danda.
If time and energy permit, you can visit the natural hot springs before continuing to the roadhead.
From the roadhead, a private 4WD Jeep will transfer you back to Pokhara.
Your trekking journey ends when you arrive in Pokhara.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Pokhara accommodation is not included.
Your 20-day Annapurna Circuit, Tilicho Lake and Annapurna Base Camp trek officially concludes in Pokhara.
No hotel, meals or other services are included in Pokhara on this day.
You are free to continue your Nepal journey, arrange your onward transportation or extend your stay independently.
Trip Ends: Pokhara
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Private experienced trekking guide for 20 days.
- Hotel accommodation in Pokhara.
- Meals in Pokhara last day.
- Guide's accommodation, meals and daily expenses.
- One porter for 20 days.
- Porter's accommodation and meals.
- Trekking accommodation for the trekking/lodge portion.
- Private room accommodation where available.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trekking portion.
- Up to 3 cups of tea or coffee per day.
- Vegetarian meals.
- Private 4WD Jeep transportation as specified in the itinerary.
- Private Jeep transportation from Muktinath/Jomsom to Tatopani.
- Private transportation from the trekking route back to Pokhara.
- Required trekking permits.
- Annapurna Circuit trekking arrangements.
- Tilicho Lake trekking arrangements.
- Annapurna Base Camp trekking arrangements.
- Professional trip coordination and assistance.
Cost Excludes
- International airfare.
- Nepal entry visa.
- Travel and medical insurance.
- Personal trekking equipment and clothing.
- Bottled or mineral water.
- Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
- Personal expenses.
- Emergency evacuation and medical expenses.
- Tips for guide and porter.
- Any additional expenses resulting from unforeseen circumstances such as severe weather, natural disasters, road closures or changes to the trekking route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. This is a private trek designed for one traveler, with a private trekking guide and porter.
Yes. Tilicho Lake is an important part of this combined itinerary, with an overnight at Tilicho Base Camp before visiting the lake.
Yes. The route crosses Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters, the highest point of the trek.
Yes. After completing the Annapurna Circuit section, the trek continues through the Annapurna Sanctuary to Annapurna Base Camp.
Yes. Private 4WD Jeep transportation is included for the specified road sections. Public buses are not used as part of this package.
Yes. Private 4WD Jeep transportation from Jomsom to Tatopani is included
Yes. Vegetarian meals can be arranged throughout the trek.
No Pokhara hotel accommodation and meals are not included in this package.
Yes. The required trekking permits are included in the package price.
Yes. As this is a private trek, the itinerary can be adjusted according to your walking pace, travel dates, weather conditions and personal preferences.
